The 9950X is shaping up to be a winner if there ever was one
Updated: Jan 7, 2025 3:30 am
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AMD took the stage at CES 2025 with a showstopper—the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This flagship CPU is set to redefine performance benchmarks for enthusiasts and professionals alike, boasting 16 cores, 32 threads, and an enormous 144MB of cache. With a 170W TDP and a blistering 5.7GHz max boost speed, AMD is making it clear that this processor is built for dominance in both gaming and productivity. Scheduled for release in March 2025, the 9950X3D promises to continue AMD’s trend of pushing boundaries in CPU innovation.
This CPU looks ready to build on the X3D legacy that the 5800X3D started all those years ago and firmly push Intel out of the gaming space this cycle, thanks to its dominance in gaming workloads vs its predecessor, the 7950X3D, and its competitor, the Core Ultra 9 285K.
Performance compared to the Ryzen 9 7950X3D
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, the 7950X, which has been a staple for users seeking a balance between gaming and productivity. AMD claims a significant generational leap, particularly in gaming, thanks to the 3D V-Cache technology that adds an extra layer of L3 cache.
Early benchmarks indicate a 8% increase in gaming performance when tested in 40 games, which is a notable improvement over the already impressive 7950X. The 9950X3D takes it up a notch for productivity, delivering higher efficiency in multi-threaded tasks due to its improved architecture and higher clock speeds. Simply put, it enhances what the 7950X was already great at.
Battling Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K
The Ryzen 9 9950X3D also directly aims at Intel’s Core Ultra 285K, which has carved out a reputation for its multi-core productivity performance. While the 285K excels in tasks like rendering and video encoding, it falls short in gaming.
The 9950X3D, on the other hand, balances the scales by offering a more rounded performance profile. AMD’s new flagship is faster in gaming and matches or exceeds Intel’s processor in multi-core benchmarks, closing the gap entirely. This makes it a compelling choice for users who demand top-tier gaming performance alongside heavy productivity capabilities.
With all this being said, if you want a “pure-gaming” CPU, you’re probably better off trying to get your hands on a 9800X3D.
Notable highlights of the 9950X3D
AMD didn’t actually share too much information on the 9950X3D, but the 144MB cache is a game-changer, particularly for gaming workloads that rely on quick data access. Combined with a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, this ensures lightning-fast performance across the board. Despite its impressive specifications, the 170W TDP is consistent with AMD’s previous high-end processors, showcasing efficiency improvements in the Zen 5 architecture.
The added cache and optimized clock speeds in gaming translate to higher frame rates and smoother experiences in CPU-intensive titles. For creators and professionals, the enhanced multi-threading suggests faster render times and better performance in software like Blender and Premiere Pro.
Final Word
AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D is shaping to be a landmark release in March 2025, offering cutting-edge gaming performance and unmatched productivity. Its ability to outperform its predecessor and Intel’s top-tier processor positions it as the go-to choice for users who demand the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a gamer, a creator, or need a versatile powerhouse, the 9950X3D delivers on all fronts.
